There are a lot of myths and mysteries surrounding septic system drain fields and how they work. Don’t be scared to tread on your drain field! A routinely pumped septic system promotes natural plant growth. Read on to learn more about cutting the grass over your drain field.
Can I Cut the Grass that Grows on my Septic Drain Field?
Most people mow their lawn with a traditional push-behind lawn mower. No matter how your mower is powered, you should maintain the grass like any other yard. Even push-behind mowers with powered drive won’t be heavy enough to damage your septic system. However, Riding mowers and lawn tractors are another issue.
Can you Drive a Riding Lawn Mower on a Septic Drain Field?
Do not drive over your septic tank’s drain field with a riding lawn mower or any heavy lawn equipment. Leave this job to a push-behind mower. Your drain field contains buried pipes that carry waste water out into the soil. If you damage these pipes, an uncontrolled amount of waste water will enter the environment, polluting the ground. Worse yet, too much weight on top of the septic tank could cause the whole system to collapse.
For this same reason, avoid parking a vehicle or any other kind of heavy equipment on the drain field. Boats, recreational vehicles, sheds, pools, and other structures are heavy and should not be stored on a drain field.
How do I Care for my Septic System’s Drain Field?
Cut the grass of your drain field regularly, just like you would any other lawn, but only use push-behind mowers. This will prevent tree saplings from sending down deep roots that could damage your septic system. Keep your drain field clear of heavy equipment and structures so your septic system can keep working as intended. Call us today to learn more about drain field care!
